Devotional by Shaquia Reed, 2018 Tower of Hope Ministries Graduate

(Judges 8:23, 9:2, 7-15, Psalm 99:1-9, Luke 23:46-49, 24:5-7)

So we read about Abimelech, a son of Gideon, who for selfish gain tries to usurp the kingdom that’s supposed to be ruled by God himself. This prideful, wicked, murderous man asks a question, “Would you rather be ruled by one man (me) or by 70 (the remaining sons of Gideon)?”

He did not give Israel the option which was the best choice for themselves—The I AM, THE GOD OF ISRAEL.

But there rose up a prophetic voice, another son of Gideon to alert the people! “Listen to me if you want God to listen to you!”

From the mountain he spoke of a parable describing the people choosing so many things incapable of being their true king. Even Gideon said “I will not rule over you, nor will my son. The Lord will rule over you!” (Judges 8:23)

So as I thought about things that we sometimes give permission and at times even INVITE to rule over us, whether the ONE (Pride, Fear, Lust, Deception, Trauma) or the SEVENTY (Cares of the world, daily tasks/responsibilities, or the needs and opinions of others), the Lord reminded me that we were only ever suppose to have ONE RULER, ONE KING!

Psalms tells us, “Mighty King, lover of justice, you have established fairness. You have acted with justice and righteousness throughout Israel.” ‭‭(Psalms‬ ‭99‬:‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

We don’t have a wicked king that will rule over us unjustly, we have the mighty King who proved himself on the cross and gave his life for us and rose to all glory over every system of oppression and evil!

Prayer: Father forgive me for being ruled by the wicked king—sins and failures. Forgive me for even wanting to be ruled by the seventy—all of my cares and worries of life. I denounce these other rulers and kings. I make You and You alone my King, Savior, Leader, Defender, and Protector! You’re above all rulers, powers, and authorities. May my heart, mind, body, soul, and actions walk in that today and evermore. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.